An electronic pen has a body, a cap and an actuation device. The actuation device comprises a sensor arrangement for sensing presence or absence of the cap on the body. The actuation device is operable to activate the electronic pen in response to removal of the cap from the body or in response to placement of the cap on a portion separated from a front end portion of the body. The actuation device is further operable to deactivate the electronic pen in response to placement of said cap on said body. Methods for activating and deactivating an electronic pen are also described.